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TSP16942/v1/Oct2014
RENTING OR HIRING
I own several dwellings that I rent and hire out.
What are my legal responsibilities in respect to
smoke alarms?
An owner who rents their dwelling under a residential
tenancy agreement, or hires their dwelling, is required
under the Regulations to have compliant mains-powered
smoke alarms fitted prior to making the dwelling
available for rent or hire.
Is there a requirement to maintain the smoke
alarms?
Yes. The Regulations require owners, who make their
dwellings available for rent or hire, to:
[a] ensure that each alarm installed in the dwelling is
in working order; and
[b] if an alarm was, at the time of its installation,
required to be connected to the mains power
supply, ensure that the alarm:
i. is permanently connected to the mains power
supply; or
ii. if the alarm is to be installed at a location in
the dwelling where there is no hidden space in
which to run the necessary electrical wiring
and there is no appropriate alternative location
- has a 10 year life battery that cannot be
removed; or
iii. if, in relation to the alarm, the use of a battery
powered smoke alarm has been approved (by
local government) under the Regulations, the
alarm must have a 10 year life battery that
cannot be removed; and
[c] ensure that each alarm installed in the dwelling i. has not reached its expiry date if one is
provided on the alarm; or
ii. is not more than 10 years old if no expiry date is
provided on the alarm.
It may be useful for people involved in the rent or hire
of a dwelling to document when the smoke alarms will
need replacing.
How do you maintain a smoke alarm?
The Regulations do not specify what is required in order
to maintain a smoke alarm in working order. DFES
recommends the following smoke alarm maintenance
routine for property owners / landlords:
Check the alarm(s) are firmly secured in the
correct location as per the Building Code of
Australia requirements. (Double sided tape is not
acceptable)
Check the required power source is connected
and operating. Where a mains powered smoke
alarm is installed, alarms will have a visual display /
light to indicate that mains power is connected and
this should be easily seen when standing beneath
the alarm
Test the smoke alarm during routine inspections, or
at least every six months
Check the smoke alarm(s) for a build-up of dust
and cobwebs
Vacuum around the smoke alarm vents with a soft
brush at least every 6 months
Use a surface insect spray around the smoke alarm
to prevent insects nesting inside
Check the smoke alarms are within their service
life. Smoke alarms require replacement every 10
years. The date for replacement is often located on
the unit
Replacing batteries annually, where appropriate.
Mains powered smoke alarms have back-up
batteries - they can either be a 9V battery which
requires to be changed annually while some
models have a rechargeable non removable battery
which does not need to be changed during the
life of the unit. * Always refer to the manufacturers
guide when selecting batteries and follow testing procedures
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The information contained in this publication is provided voluntarily as a public service by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). This publication has been prepared in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable
and accurate at the time for publication. Nevertheless, the reliability and accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed and DFES expressly disclaims liability for any act or omission done or not done in the reliance on the information and for any
consequences whether direct or indirect, arising from such act or omission. This publication is intended to be a guide only and readers should obtain their own independent advice and make their own necessary inquiries. Published April 2014
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